INTRODUCTION TO INDUSTRY 4.0

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 Introduction:

We have been surrounded by advanced technologies which are transforming every aspect of our life as the entire manufacturing processes.

From the First British Industrial Revolution to the Fourth Industry Revolution otherwise known as industry 4.0, there has been a continuous digitalization revolution that is changing the way we live, interact, and communicates as well as transacting.


What is Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, although it is concerned with areas that are not usually classified as industrial applications in their own right, such as Smart cities.

Industry 4.0 has been defined as "a name for the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, including cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing and cognitive computing and creating the smart factory."



First Industrial Revolution:

Period between 1760-1830

Witnessed the exponential growth of machinery, mechanization in production with the help of water and steam power.

Initially, before the First Industrial Revolution, manufacturing was done with simple tools and some unskilled workers worked under unbearable conditions.



Second Industrial Revolution:

Period between 1870-1969

Witnessed electric power generator.

Replaced water and steam-powered engines. Large-scale production, Large factories such as steel revolution in manufacturing factories. The advent of the assembly line, and electric power revolution, telephone as well as refrigerators and washing machines.



Third Industrial Revolution:

The period between 1970-1990 (digital revolution)

Categorized by automating production and information technology.

Comes with an enormous change in industries with digitalization that transformed manufacturing and automation. This period witnessed exponential technological changes like 3D printing, Big Data, Modern technology in mechanical devices instead of analog electronics.



Fourth Industrial Revolution:

4IR or Industrial 4.0 is witnessing a drastically and exponential change that is transforming how people working with devices like computers to electronic devices working and helping human beings.

The Fourth Industrial is a continuation of the Third Industrial Revolution that was categorized with digitalization and automation manufacturing.


Reasons for Industry 4.0:

  • Solution for manufacturing challenges
  • Manufacturing transformation
  • Co-producer's consumers.
  • Humans into the center of production. Enriched and humanized work. Coordinated work...
  • Sustainable prosperity. Traditional manufacturing will soon be surrounded and cornered by the modern, flexible Fourth Industrial Revolution industry of the future.

Characteristics of Industry 4.0:
  • Vertical networking of Smart Production System
  • Horizontal Integration via a new generation of global value networks
  • Through-engineering across the entire value chain
  • Acceleration through exponential technologies

Benefits of Industry 4.0:

Industry 4.0 will truly revolutionize the way manufacturing processes work. However, it is important to weigh the advantages and the challenges that companies may face
  • Optimization
  • Customization
  • Pushing Research

Challenges of Industry 4.0:
  • Security
  • Capital
  • Employment
  • Privacy

Examples of Industry 4.0 in business life:
  • Logistic
  • Smart Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Good at building walls it could take over the construction industry
  • Increase productivity while reducing overall labor costs.

Conclusion:

Industry 4.0 will affect our identity, our sense of privacy, our notions of ownership, our consumption patterns, the time we devote to work and leisure, and how we nurture the relationship(Klaus Schwap(2016)).

There should be a coexistence between technology and humans. The technology should support humans and only handles the complex situation in manufacturing that is almost impossible for humans to do.

I hope, you all find this helpful and interesting. Stay tuned for more articles.
Thank You.

~Jinal Menpara











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